Following repeated complaints from local people Barnet Borough Council has instructed a football club to stop its tree cull.

The council has asked that the Old Camdenians Football Club in Burtonhole Close, Mill Hill, does not cut down any more trees until it has carried out a full investigation.

In a statement the council said: “We are investigating ground and tree works at the site and also the condition of the trees generally in order to ascertain whether the club is complying with its lease obligations and planning regulations. 

“We are in discussions with the club, local residents, and the environment agency, and will take the appropriate action when the results of our investigations have been established.

“The club have been advised that they must not carry out any more works until this matter has been resolved.”

This news comes after the Times Series reported that 60-year-old George Maile, of Burtonhole Close, was campaigning to save the trees.

Mr Maile, who lives next to the club, claims that a number of trees in the “naturally beautiful tree line” have been cleared and that more are marked for destruction.

He believes that the trees are being cleared as part of work to create a cricket pitch, but that the clearance is not necessary.

Mr Maile said: “There is no reason for these trees to go – they have been there for more than 100 years.

“I don’t know what the motive is. It is a real shame.”

The Times Series has been unable to get in contact with the Old Camdenians Football Club.